Inner Ring (Countries or terror groups that border Israel)

Overshadowed by events between Russia and Turkey, just hours before that incident, Israel conducted a fairly significant strike against Hezbollah in Syria. It will be interesting to see if there is now a policy shift on these strikes by either side.

“In wake of the reports by the Israeli Civil Administration contemplating transferring more territory to the Palestinian Authority, Minister Uri Ariel from the Ha-Bayit Ha-Yehudi said: “If Netanyahu does this, the coalition will collapse.”

Probably just Israeli politics but the more this keeps coming up the more concerned I get. Netanyahu has shown he is willing to appease Palestinian terror in the past so there is cause for concern.

“Saeb Erekat is a unique phenomenon in the Palestinian orbit. For years, he has played the dual role of negotiator-in-chief for Palestinian-Israeli peace talks and propagandist par excellence for the regimes of Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas. His record of lies and dissimulations is legion, and he seems to be getting worse as he ages. History will yet record his abysmal diplomatic role in the many mistakes of the Palestinian national movement.”

The one thing Palestinian leadership does well is lie. It’s perhaps the only thing they do well. (Maybe asking for money is the other.)

“According to the head of the National Emergency Authority: “The Defense Ministry is prepared to evacuate the residents of the Southern city as well as communities in the North in case there is a military operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon or Hamas in Gaza.”

Outer Ring (countries or terror groups that are close to but not bordering Israel)

“Analysis: Russia’s aggressive, unilateralist policies made such an incident almost inevitable – but will Moscow now move to deescalate?”

I think both sides will deescalate things. It hinders Putin’s goals to get into a war with Turkey\NATO at this time. Putin is not stupid, his forces are small compared to NATO assets in theater. He now has a great excuse to build up forces which he is already doing though. Turkey went too far and their allies are letting them know it. They have made their point at the cost of two Russian lives. This event was bound to happen with so many air forces of different nations in theater. The situation in Syria get globally worse each passing day.

“Shortly afterwards, the MoD announced three steps to be taken following the attack on the Russian Su-24 bomber, including providing aerial cover by fighter jets for every airstrike, boosting air defense by deploying guided missile cruisers off the Latakia coast, and suspending all military-to-military contacts with Turkey.

The S-400 is Russia’s most advanced anti-aircraft defense system. It is as an upgrade of the S-300 Growler family, designed and developed by Almaz Antei. The S-400 is employed to ensure air defense using long- and medium-range missiles that can hit aerial targets at ranges up to 400 kilometers. The S-400 is capable of hitting tactical and strategic aircraft as well as ballistic and cruise missiles. The system includes a set of radars, missile launchers and command posts, and is operated solely by the Russian military.”

“Russia now plans to implement new measures aimed at strengthening the security of the country’s air base in Syria and in particular to bolster air defense. Russian guided missile cruiser Moskva, equipped with the ‘Fort’ air defense system, similar to the S-300, will be deployed off Latakia province’s coast.”

“Russian tanks armored against anti-tank missiles and ground forces began to enter northern Syria via a military airfield in Aleppo, Lebanese newspaper “As-Safir” affiliated with Hezbollah reported . The newspaper estimated that the airport will be the third in which Russian Air Force aircraft will be deployed.”

“Russia and Turkey have long been at odds over Syria, with Moscow backing President Bashar al Assad and Ankara supporting the opposition to overthrow him. Tensions increased dramatically with the start of the Russian air campaign on September 30. The Turkish shoot-down of a Russian combat aircraft on November 24 is an escalation in this tense stand-off between Russia and a NATO member. Although both sides may refrain from additional aggressive activities at once, tensions between Russia and Turkey have been continuously growing and are likely to expand, further testing the strength of the US commitment to its NATO partner. These tensions will also severely hinder efforts to build a “grand coalition” including Turkey and Russia.”

Bible Prophecy

“Q. During recent discussions with members of the Church regarding the end-times events which are unfolding on the world scene, I have been surprised by the negative comments regarding the rapidly approaching return of Jesus. Several professing Christians have expressed their desire that there be enough time remaining which would allow them to “experience a full life.” Some of the most common comments are as follow:

“I want to see my kids grow up.”“I have some things that I want to do first.”“I want to serve God longer.”

Most of these people would agree that they are tired of the evil we face every day and that things are getting worse. I am baffled by their desire to remain in our current state of existence. Do their reasons for wanting to continue in this life conflict with the sentiment of 1 John 2:15-17?

A. Yes, people who say these things are in conflict with 1 John 2:15-17. They don’t understand the times we’re in. They have a secular world view and expect life to go on as it always has until we disappear some say. They can be compared to the Jews who didn’t understand what the Promised Land would be like and demanded that Moses take them back to Egypt.

Anybody who really understands what’s coming upon the world and what’s waiting for us in Heaven would be praying that the Lord takes us as soon as possible. And they would especially want their kids out of here.”